Expert: Aaron Shifferly - 3/28/2009

Question
35 years old, was a captain in Army Reserves before honorably discharged last year. Wanting to reinstate commission and go back into the Army, but this time go active. Does the Army still need officers? Many forums on the internet have been saying Army is meeting quotas etc., and not accepting prior service as much, but not sure if this applies only to enlisted or also officers. How long would it take?

Answer
I have just had a co-worker transition from Reserves to Active within the past month, so I can tell you it is happening, but at a snail's pace.  He's been working on his packet since before Christmas.  The standard things would apply: your branch would have to accept you and they would have to have space, and then you'd have to prove that you're still physically/medically able to serve.  My best advice would be to talk to a recruiter in your area. They get bonus points for officers, so they'll probably work extra hard to get you in.  It may take a while, but if you're motivated it'll probably work.